Rising Child Drownings Prompt Community Action in Northern Namibia

The article discusses the tragic drownings of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas in northern Namibia, highlighting the need for community education on water safety and supervision of children. Local authorities are taking steps to address these concerns due to rising incidences of drownings.

In northern Namibia, the heartbreaking loss of 11-year-old Volkmar Kahana and 6-year-old Nhawa Jonas has brought attention to the rising incidences of child drownings. Volkmar, a student at Oshakati West Primary School, drowned while attempting to rescue Jonas, who was struggling in a pond while they were fishing. The valiant efforts of Volkmar, who is remembered by his principal as a bright and quiet boy with a promising future, ended tragically when neither boy resurfaced from the water.

The incident has prompted local authorities to take action. Chief Inspector Thomas Aiyambo of the Oshana police confirmed that the bodies of the two boys were retrieved from the pond by the Special Reserve Force. Furthermore, Commissioner Ismael Basson has reported that the police are actively engaging the community to provide education on preventing drownings, particularly within household water containers.

Commissioner Basson highlighted that there are currently four cases involving child drownings linked to situations where minors were left unsupervised at home. He explained that these drownings typically occur when parents or guardians are occupied with activities outside the home, such as shopping or tending to fields. The ongoing initiatives aim to raise awareness and mitigate future risks of similar tragedies in the community.

The tragic drownings of Volkmar Kahana and Nhawa Jonas underscore the pressing need for increased supervision of children and community awareness regarding water safety. Local authorities are working to address the underlying issues contributing to these incidents through education and engagement. This situation emphasizes the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety, particularly around bodies of water.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na